Handshaking is widely used to describe shaky hands. Handshaking is not dangerous in and of itself, but it may make regular chores challenging. It can also be a precursor to various neurological disorders and degenerative disorders. Essential tremor, a disorder that doctors do not completely understand, is the most prevalent reason for shaking hands in adults. This article answers what causes handshaking and how you can treat them, so continue reading to know more.
What causes handshaking?
Hand shaking, also known as hand tremors, can be caused by various factors, including:
1. Tremor Essential-
It activates when your hands are feeling something and deactivates when they are not. There is no apparent cause, but it has been linked to an alteration in a gene. If your signs and symptoms are minor, you might not require therapy. You may require medication, occupational therapy, and surgery if they interfere with your daily duties or employment. Researchers don't know which causes the neurological disruption or how to halt it. They are also unsure whether it is a degenerative process. Persons with essential tremors endure frequent shaking, which is exacerbated when they are moving. The shaking is uncontrollable and usually affects your hands, arms, head, and voice cords. Although the shaking could be more noticeable in your dominant hands, it may impact both sides of the body.
2. Parkinson's disease-
When brain cells that instruct the muscles to move are injured in this illness, your hand shakes. The shaking normally starts with one hand but might move to the other over time. You can also shift more slowly, have difficulty balancing, or notice that the muscles in your legs and arms stiffen. In rare cases, medication and surgery are the major treatments for Parkinson's tremors. Most people will first feel shaking on one edge of their body, but it can spread with time. Stress, worry, or excitement might exacerbate the shaking.
Also Read: Parkinson's Disease Meaning, Causes and Symptoms
3. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)-
Have you recently gotten your thyroid levels of hormones checked? Shaky hands may indicate hyperthyroidism. This indicates that the thyroid gland is overworking, causing your heart rate to skyrocket. You might additionally see that you are losing weight without trying, have a sensitivity to light, have a quick heartbeat, and have difficulty sleeping. A simple blood sample will assist you, as well as your doctor, in determining what is wrong.
Also Read: All About Hyperthyroidism
4. Withdrawal from Alcohol-
If you possess an alcohol addiction, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as shaking hands after you quit. It can begin as quickly as 10 hours after your final drink and last several weeks. Medication is used in some detox programs to assist you in managing symptoms of withdrawal. The shaking and tremors can last for a couple of days, but if the body has been physiologically reliant on alcohol over a long time, this and other symptoms may linger for months.
Also Read: How Long Does It Take to Detox from Alcohol?
5. Traumatic brain injury (TBI)-
A physical brain injury can affect your brain's normal functioning. Physical mobility may be affected by brain injury. When an accident affects certain portions of your brain, such as the cerebellum and the nerves that control hand movement, you may have hand tremors or shaking. A brain injury can develop due to an accident, like a car accident or a fall. It can even be caused by activities such as sports.
Also Read: What Qualifies as Brain Injury?
6. Side effects of medication-
Shaking hands may be caused by some drug side effects, such as:
- psychiatric pharmaceuticals
- medicines used to treat epilepsy
- anti-asthmatic drugs
- Medicines that inhibit the immune system
When dopamine cannot reach the sections of your brain where it should be, mobility problems such as shaky hands can emerge. If you stop taking the drug, the tremors should go away. However, measure the drug's benefits against the side effects, or ask your physician about another medication that may produce less shaky hands.
7. Low blood sugar levels-
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, happens when your body does not have enough energy and glucose to power your actions. Skipping food, taking too much medicine, exercising excessively, or eating insufficiently can all result in declining blood glucose levels. When blood sugar levels fall too low, your body becomes stressed. This may make you feel anxious and unsafe.
8. Caffeine poisoning-
Caffeine acts as a stimulant, which means that the natural chemical that helps you get up will also cause your hands to shake if you consume too much of it. Coffee is not the only offender. Caffeine can also be found in over-the-counter headache medication, chocolate, and sodas. You may be familiar with the effects of caffeine on your hands if you've ever drunk a cup of tea or coffee on an empty stomach. Caffeine overdose can cause trembling hands. Caffeine stimulates your body's muscles, leading them to move out of order.
9. Vitamin B12 deficiency-
Vitamin B12 is important for maintaining the health of your neural system. You could have lower amounts of this vitamin than usual if you don't consume meat, eggs, milk, or some drugs. Your hands may tremble, and both legs may feel tingling and numb. If it's necessary to take vitamin supplements, your doctor would advise you.
Also Read: Possible Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
10. Stress-
When you are stressed, your nerves go into overdrive, such as while delivering a speech or viewing a terrifying movie. Your heart is racing, and your hands are trembling. When the tension passes, so will the trembling. Try relaxation methods like meditation or deep breathing.
Also Read: How to Manage Stress?
How can you treat handshaking?
Only some people with unsteady hands will require treatment. However, if your doctor determines you are a good contender, they may prescribe medicine first. Medication that is commonly administered, the most widely prescribed drugs for treating shaky hands caused by essential tremors are:
- propranolol (Inderal)
- primidone (Mysoline)
- Propranolol is a beta-blocker used to treat:
- arrhythmia
- rapid heart
- rate hypertension
- Primidone acts as an antiseizure drug.
Other beta-blockers include:
Beta-blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor) or atenolol (Tenormin) may also treat essential tremors. If other medications do not improve your tremor, your doctor might suggest one of these medications, but it might not perform as well as propranolol.
Other antiseizure drugs include:
Other drugs predominantly used for treating neurological or psychiatric problems, such as seizures and neuropathic pain, include gabapentin (Neurontin) or topiramate (Topamax). They may be beneficial to those suffering from essential tremors.
Anxiety medications: The fact that alprazolam (Xanax) is utilized for treating anxiety (which can induce shaking hands) or panic disorders suggests that it could be a useful therapy for basic tremors. Because this medicine is habit-forming, it should be used with caution.
Botox: The type of Botulinum toxin A (Botox) is showing promise as a therapy for serious tremors of the hands. When injected, this medication may cause considerable muscle weakening, so discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. The advantages of successful injections can extend for up to three months. Additional injections may be required.
Conclusion-
In this article, we got to learn what causes handshaking. Essential tremor is the most prevalent cause of unsteady hands. This neurological condition produces uncontrollable shaking, particularly during movement. While there is no treatment for most hand tremors, prescription drugs and lifestyle adjustments may provide relief depending on the reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my hands shake for no reason?
There can be an underlying issue causing shaky hands such as Parkinson's disease, vitamin b12 deficiency, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. But, essential tremors are one of the most common causes of shaky hands.
What deficiency causes shaky hands?
Deficiency of vitamin B1, B6 and most importantly B12 causes shaky hands or hand tremors.
Can stress cause shaking?
Yes. Stress is one of the major factors of shaky hands.
How can I cure my shaky hands?
Consult a healthcare expert first. Also, bring some changes in your diet and overall lifestyle. Include vitamin-rich foods in your diet, especially vitamin B12 and practice Yoga and meditation.
Are shaky hands serious?
Shaking of hands is not a serious concern in itself unless it becomes an obstruction in performing daily life activities such as eating, drinking, writing, dialing a phone, etc.
Does shaky hands mean stroke?
No. shaky hands do not necessarily mean stroke alone rather it can be a sign or symptom of various other neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke or multiple sclerosis.
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